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Flu Season Isn’t Over Yet!

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Have you managed to avoid the flu so far this season? If you thought you were out of the woods, you might not be, since seasonal flu most commonly peaks between December and February and can last as late as May.

In partnership with The Motherhood, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with a team of bloggers to share some important tips – including these “Take 3” actions – to protect yourself and loved ones from the flu this season:

  • Get vaccinated; it isn’t too late! Did you know that even if you’ve gotten the flu this season, you can still benefit from getting vaccinated? As of early November 2014, fewer than half of Americans had reported getting a flu vaccine. While this year’s vaccine may not work as well against the drifted H3N2 viruses, it can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications – especially for those considered high-risk (infants, pregnant women, kids and adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease, and adults aged 65 and older). An annual flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent seasonal flu!
  • If you have flu-like symptoms, see your doctor for flu antiviral medicines. Antiviral medicines work, but they aren’t being used nearly enough. Early treatment with antivirals – especially for high-risk individuals – could keep you out of the hospital and even save your life.
  • Take preventative actions to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you’re sick, stay home from school or work. Your peers will thank you!

We’ll be sharing more tips and information during our #FightFlu Twitter chat on Tuesday, January 27 at 12 p.m. ET. Hope to see you there!

Where Are Germs Hiding in Your House?

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With all the festivities that come with the holidays, no one wants to be stuck in bed battling a cold or the flu! That’s why Clorox®, The Motherhood and a team of germ-fighting bloggers recently shared the icky truth about where bacteria and viruses hide, and tips on how to stay healthy through the season!

The Clorox Company and global public health organization NSF International conducted a study in homes of parents with young children, and discovered that germs hang out in unexpected places! More than half of parents surveyed said they felt the kitchen countertop was the surface they needed to clean most often. Yet the study results found that four times as many households had bathroom sinks that were germier than kitchen countertops. The majority of parents surveyed also ranked the kitchen drawer knob as the germiest surface, but in reality, other spots around the home – such as the kitchen countertop, bathroom sink and bathroom faucet handle – harbored more germs and viruses. Check out this #GermsStick video for other findings you might be surprised to see.

Our bloggers used #GermsStick stickers to show the germy hot spots that bacteria and viruses were found – and as a reminder for where to disinfect!

CloroxLaurie, Guessing All the Way

Clorox 2

Lori, A Day in the Motherhood

So how can you keep germs at bay in your house this season? Read on for some tips, and visit Clorox.com/GermsStick for more information and fun activities to share with your family!

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses such as Influenza and Enterovirus spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
  • To prevent the spread of germs in your home, the CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is sick. Parents can use an EPA-registered disinfectant, like Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, to kill 99.9 percent of germs* that can live on hard non-porous surfaces for up to 48 hours.
  • Along with disinfecting germ hot spots, parents can help keep their families healthier by taking the same prevention steps recommended every year, including:
    • Get Vaccinated: Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in flu prevention. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine each year to protect against the flu.
    • Stay Home When Sick: If possible, keep kids home from school when they are sick to help prevent teachers and classmates from catching their illness.
    • Sing & Scrub: Make sure kids wash their hands the right way. They should wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
    • Do the Elbow Cough: Teach kids to cough and sneeze into elbows instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs by touch.

*Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Influenza A virus.

It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week

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‘Tis the season for family get-togethers, holiday magic and also, the flu. Influenza is a serious disease that can result in hospitalization and can even be fatal. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others.

Did you know influenza vaccination activity drops quickly after the end of November – but flu activity peaks between December and February? That’s why we at The Motherhood partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a team of fantastic bloggers to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccines during the ninth annual National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 7-13, 2014.

Our bloggers shared some eye-opening information on the importance of vaccinations in their posts. Read on for a few of the highlights and follow along with the conversation using #NIVW2014. For more information on influenza and how you can keep your family healthy this season, please visit the CDC’s website.

  • “It is recommended that anyone 6 months or older get an annual flu vaccine to help protect against the disease. And even those who have already gotten the flu could benefit from the vaccination because it protects you against three or four different flu viruses!” – Mariah, Formula: Mom
  • “I know we’re even more cautious because Aliceana has been diagnosed with asthma. Vaccination is especially important for children with asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), or certain other long-term medical conditions because they are at increased risk for serious complications from flu if they get sick. (Such as a worsening in asthma attacks.)” – Brittany, The Domestic Geek
  • “As a medic in the US Army we take our vaccinations very seriously. The average US Army soldier has had more vaccinations than the average person. One of those that we do yearly and without fail is the flu vaccination. With the ‘mission’ always our main focus, how can we do our job if our troops are sick with the flu? Early in October we get our flu vaccines and we vaccinate our entire company. We even vaccinate our pregnant soldiers. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe and can protect the mother and the baby for up to 6 months after birth. We go through the training that is needed because every year something new is discovered. Every year the strain becomes a little different. Since I’m being protected, then why not my family? My kids get their vaccinations every year as well. It not only protects them but I feel a lot better knowing that they are protected.” – Ann-Marie, Growing Up Madison
  • “…Last week my daughter was throwing up so much she ended up having to go to the hospital to get an IV. I did not want anyone else to get that sick or get the flu, so I decided it was time for us all to get our flu shots…It’s especially important for my family to get it, since we have young children who are at higher risk. Other high-risk people include pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people ages 65 and older.  If you are high-risk and get the flu, you can get complications like pneumonia or worsening of existing health conditions which can lead to hospitalization or death.” – Heidi, Honeybear Lane

Do you get a flu shot each year? Here at The Motherhood, all of us do!